‘It can be lonely for those travelling alone but now, when our guests return to their hotel rooms after a difficult day at the office, Happy could be there to give them unconditional love and a valuable sounding board.

‘Obviously it can’t talk back but it can wiggle its fins and swim around the tank – it will give guests someone to talk to and unload the troubles of the day.’

Mr Riley said Happy was named as much for his nature than the name of the hotel in Dutton, Cheshire.

If the upbeat fish proves to be a hit, Mr Riley hopes to introduce two or three more goldfish.

‘Once guests have hired a fish I’m sure when they return they will want to ask for the same fish again,’ he explained.

‘They will have sort of adopted it in their minds and may have even missed it between their stays.’